As the race for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Africa go on a break to return next year, group C is where all eyes will be with Rwanda surprisingly leading the duo of South Africa and Nigeria respectively.
The two nations were widely expected to dominate the group but with Nigeria drawing their two first games of the season and South Africa tasting defeat after a win in their opening fixture, Rwanda sits atop both favorites with four points.
Nigeria are two points behind and it has increased the pressure on head coach of the Nigerian team Jose Peseiro, whose contract will run out after the Africa Cup of Nations unless he makes it to the final of the tournament.
Linked with the vacant managerial role at Egyptian side Zamalek, Peseiro’s fate could be seal in January with a lot of the decision makers not comfortable with the team’s progress under his guide. So much that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has started sounding out prospective options.
One name that we exclusively reported has interest in the job is the former head coach of South Africa Pitso Mosimane, who recently left his role as head coach of UAE side Al-Wahda.
The well travelled coach was asked about the temptation of managing the Super Eagles, who are in the same group with South Africa and he didn’t hide his admiration for the coach Jose Peseiro led team.
“To be honest, I would like to coach in the World Cup. I do not choose what comes, I would like to go to the World Cup. South Africa wants to qualify, Nigeria wants to qualify.
“If you have Chukuweze and the boy (Osimhen) playing for Napoli as your striker, I mean really. That Nigerian team is unbelievable. I saw the draw against Lesotho and Zimbabwe. Okay, its football, it happens. But how can politics between the government and the federation derail the team?
“Of course, I want South Africa to win because I am South African. But in reality, I think Nigeria has the team (Players). I really would like to go to the World Cup, but it must be a good team that can compete.”
